NAVY to Deploy Two Warships to Ease Idul Fitri Exodus

Jakarta, June 19 (Antara) -- The Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) will deploy two Landing Platform Dock warships, KRI Surabaya-591 and KRI Banda Aceh-593, to offer free rides to motorcyclists heading to Semarang and Surabaya for Idul Fitri celebrations. Jakarta's homebound travelers using motorcycles can travel to Semarang or Surabaya by the navy's warships for free, a spokesman for the TNI AL, First Admiral Manahan Simorangkir, said here on Friday. "Homebound motorcyclists traveling with their wives, children and luggage face greater risks of traffic accidents," he pointed out. Therefore, he urged motorcyclists to opt for the free rides being offered by the navy. The TNI AL will provide them food and souvenirs aboard the ships during their journey home, he added. KRI Surabaya-591 will leave Tanjung Priok Port in northern Jakarta for Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, East Java province, on July 11. Rides for the inbound route from Surabaya to Jakarta will be provided on July 21. In addition, KRI Banda Aceh-593 will depart Tanjung Priok Port for Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang, Central Java province, on July 13 and will return to Jakarta on July 24. Online registration for the free ride began on June 1 and can be made till June 30 on www.mudikgratis.dephub.go.id. Commuters can also register directly at the Transportation Ministry's office at Medan Merdeka Barat No. 8, Central Jakarta, from June 15 to July 8. KRI Banda Aceh-593 and KRI Surabaya-591 can each carry up to 1,000 motorcycles and 1,500 people. Indonesian Muslims began observing the holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, June 18. At the end of the fasting month in July, they will celebrate Idul Fitri. The Indonesian tradition of people celebrating Idul Fitri in their hometowns with their extended families often leads to chaotic traffic jams and claims numerous lives. Every year, the government strives to improve preparations in anticipation of traffic-related problems to better serve the millions of homebound and inbound travelers.